Twins' Phil Hughes: Spring struggles continue

Hughes gave up four runs on six hits and two home runs with one strikeout in Monday's exhibition loss to Pittsburgh, increasing his spring ERA to 6.55.

Analysis:

Hughes gave up home runs to two of the first three batters he faced, then settled down. He's had a rocky spring training, but he's healthy after an injury-plagued 2016 season, which is likely more important than his spring stats. After all, Hughes had season-ending surgery in July for thoracic outlet syndrome; part of his rib was removed to relieve nerve pressure on his shoulder. He'll likely start Minnesota's fourth game of the regular season against the White Sox.